I became, in my own mind, part of this family. And they've looked after me with all my needs and it's made me very happy.
– Geoffrey
We understand that many of our aged care residents struggle with chronic or persistent pain. Therefore, our team at MACG aims to provide pain management services that allow us to manage symptoms, find the appropriate relief, and help our residents get back to enjoying their lives. Our program utilises pain assessment tools, treatments such as diversional therapy, physiotherapy, and other management strategies to enhance health and wellness.
Let us answer any question you have.
Persistent or chronic pain can be challenging to deal with, especially for elderly residents. Therefore, a solid pain management plan can be incredibly beneficial. At MACG, this includes methods other than medication, as our team believes in using physical rehabilitation, diversional therapy, and other efforts to bypass or manage pain. We work closely with our aged care residents to tailor a pain management plan that suits them.
Individualised support to ensure residents feel comfortable
We keep core family values at the heart of our organisation
We provide complete honesty and transparency
Our team engages in continuous training and development
Here is your guide to understanding aged care home fees.
In every aged care home, a basic daily fee is paid on top of your accommodation cost. This fee covers your basic living needs, including meals, laundry and cleaning, and utility costs like power and telecommunications.
The Australian Government sets a maximum basic daily fee that aged care homes can charge, currently set at $63.57 a day or $23,203.05 per year.
Services Australia sets this fee at 85% of a single Age Pension. The basic daily fee is the same for everyone (even if they don’t receive an Age Pension) and is increased twice a year, March 20th and September 20th, to match the rising cost of living.
Once you submit an Income and Asset Assessment through Centrelink, you will not only be assessed on whether you are eligible for any subsidies but you’ll also be assessed on whether the means-tested care fee is applicable.
If you have to pay the income-tested care fee, it means the government has determined you need to pay extra towards your day-to-day care, but only if you can afford it. Whether this fee applies to you is dependent on your financial situation and if you have a higher level of assets or income. The means-tested care fee will be between $0 and $259.26 per day.
It can take the government some time to calculate the amount you may need to pay for the means-tested care fee. Therefore, you and the aged care home you choose will be notified by letter when the price has been calculated, and payment will be backdated to the date you entered into care.
All aged care providers can charge fees for your accommodation to cover the home's maintenance costs and amenities. Each nursing home sets this daily accommodation price, and it is advertised clearly in the accommodation cost. At MACG, our daily accommodation rate ranges between $45.92 and $183.67.
Many factors influence aged care accommodation costs, including the room size and type, facilities available and property prices. The Income and Asset Assessment will determine whether the Australian Government will subsidise this fee or fully pay for your accommodation costs based on your income earnings and assets.
Many aged care homes in Melbourne offer additional services, similar to a hotel experience. Some common additional services include beauty and hairdressing, satellite television, internet, gyms, pools, workshops and alcohol.
Some aged care homes may allow you to pick and choose the services you want, so you only pay for what you use, whereas others may have an additional package.
These service fees are set by the aged care provider and aren’t subsidised by the government. Therefore, it’s best to consider these as out-of-pocket costs you will need to cover.
Many aged care homes provide extra services that allow residents to upgrade their stay. Things that may be part of an extra service package include extended menus and drink options, higher quality linens and room furnishings.
Extra services usually come in a bundle and can either apply to specific room types or an entire retirement village. These extra services are not government subsidised.
The government provides a few aged care subsidy programs to assist residents who struggle to afford aged care support. The main program you can apply for is Financial Hardship Assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will assist in paying some or all of your aged care fees (this includes respite care). Find out if you are eligible for Financial Hardship Assistance.
We take pride in knowing that our pain management and aged care services are accessible to all seniors with all kinds of needs. Therefore, when it comes to helping our residents overcome or manage their pain, we hire only the best health professionals who provide a safe and supportive environment. We’ll provide expert advice on managing pain and finding the best activities for pain relief. Contact us today to learn more.
When it comes to pain relief and management for our residents in the aged care sector, our team at MACG are here to help. Our experienced and compassionate staff are determined to assist seniors with chronic pain and help them take back their lives by promoting fun and challenging physical and mental activities.
All our lifestyle programs are tailored to suit our residents’ needs and follow a meticulous pain assessment checklist, ensuring the best practice for pain management in aged care.
Our aged homes include everything needed to live comfortably.
We offer various leisure and lifestyle activities designed to keep residents satisfied and healthy.
Residents are encouraged to volunteer at local community events that mean something to them. Our team will provide the care needed to help make this a priority.
The Income and Asset Assessment is a means test set by the Australian Government to decide if you are eligible for a Commonwealth subsidy for part or all of your aged care home fees.
In this means test, your income and assets are evaluated. What is considered ‘income’ includes but is not limited to financial investments, age, disability or service pensions, income support payments, bonds, shares, your superannuation, family trusts and super funds.
Assets include properties you own (including your own home), investment properties, private or partnered businesses, and more. You will be asked a range of questions regarding your income and assets to determine your eligibility for subsidies.
You can complete the Income and Assets Assessment online through My Aged Care.
The assessment is broken down into three steps and is fairly quick to complete. The same form is used for all support types, whether you’re looking for short or long-term care or support in the home.
To complete the assessment, you will need your Medicare card. You can also organise for a representative to complete the application on your behalf.
The online assessment should not take longer than 20 minutes of your time. However, after submitting the assessment, you will receive a call to arrange a complete evaluation and review of your application.
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There are three different ways you can pay your aged care fees:
MACG’s preferred method of payment is via direct debit. Therefore, a direct debit form will be provided to you during the pre-admissions meeting.
Monthly statements are issued to permanent residents (or their representatives) at the beginning of the month and detail the debit amount. This direct debit is processed on the 15th of every month (bar public holidays or weekends in which the payment will be taken the following business day).
If you have any questions about the admissions process, cost of care, or would like to book a tour, please contact our Admissions Team.
Boronia
Our residents enjoy a warm, homelike atmosphere at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Carrum Downs
Our residents live happy and fulfilled lives, and we help each person to achieve their best lifestyle.
Narre Warren
Read a good book in front of the warm fireplaces or explore the peaceful, landscaped gardens.
Narre Warren South
Our residents enjoy the beautiful gardens and a range of on-site facilities, including the chicken coop.
Ashwood
In the leafy suburb of Ashwood you will find Grand Cedar Aged Care. See for yourself what makes it special.
Coburg
Residents here appreciate the homelike atmosphere and enjoy the sun in the beautiful outdoor spaces.
Hughesdale
A warm and welcoming environment featuring old-world charm along with modern facilities.
Parkdale
This coastal home features views of Port Philip Bay and courtyards for our residents to enjoy.
Traralgon
Residents cherish the intimate relationships they have with the care team and the wider community.
Untreated chronic pain for seniors can lead to various issues, including reduced functionality and a decreased quality of life. It can also harm personal relationships and spark psychological or mental challenges over time.
By finding suitable ways to manage pain, our elderly residents can regain confidence, do the things they’ve always loved, and stay active.
We utilise some standard pain management techniques at MACG to ensure our elderly residents find relief from their chronic pain issues. For example, we engage in physical rehabilitation through exercise, massage and physiotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, and other fun and exciting activities.
To ensure we utilise the best programs for our residents’ pain management needs, we conduct an assessment that outlines their pain or any behavioural and psychological symptoms. We will also search for any pain symptom that requires more management and develop a plan with this in mind. At MACG, we are determined to use the best practice for pain management in aged care.
If you find you’re unable to afford residential aged care costs, there are a number of avenues you can explore for assistance. If your Income and Asset Assessment determines you can’t afford aged care services, the Australian Government can provide subsidies for aged care support.
You may be eligible for Financial Hardship Assistance to partially or fully cover the basic daily fee, means-tested care fee and accommodation costs. Each case is assessed individually and depends on the type of care you need.
You can also consult with a Financial Information Services (FIS) representative. The FIS is an entirely free Australian Government program that helps you make informed decisions about your finances.
If you require assistance or more information, please contact any of the departments below.
You may also wish to gain specialist advice from an Aged Care Financial Planner to restructure your finances to your best advantage when entering care.
If you have any questions about us or our residential aged care homes, we would love to help.
